2016 is coming to a close, and you know what that means – Google Inc.‘s annual list of the top 10 consumer tech searches. Between virtual reality’s arrival, Apple ditching the headphone jack, and the meteoric rise (and explosive fall) of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, 2016 was an interesting year for consumer tech to say the least. Read on to learn more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czVpHZzmejs
10. Bose Headphones
Step aside Beats by Dre: Canada has a new favorite headphone brand. Bose is now the official brand of the NFL, and let’s just say their marketing has been on point.
9. Freedom 251
The Freedom 251 was promised to be the world’s cheapest smartphone at only $3.76 USD. Too bad the phone has been called the “scammiest scam” of 2016
8. Google Daydream
Color us surprised with this one, especially compared to Samsung VR Gear’s heavy marketing this year. Third-party support from the likes of Netflix and Ubisoft seems to be paying off for Google’s virtual reality headset.
7. Oculus Rift
The first proper virtual reality headset, the Oculus has finally ushered in the new age of VR technology that science fiction fans have been waiting for. The Oculus Rift peaked in popularity in March, the same month it was released, yet remains at number 7 on this list – a testament to its staying power.
6. Samsung Galaxy J7
Samsung isn’t just tackling the high-end smartphone market. The Galaxy J7 is much cheaper than its sibling, the S7, and that is paying dividends for Samsung in Canada.
5. Nintendo Switch
Nintendo is releasing a new console this March, and well, you can bet your kids (and certain ITBusiness.ca reporters) will be asking for one next holiday season. Keep an eye out for this one – its popularity will only increase from there.
4. Google PixelÂ
Google shocked the tech world by releasing its own smartphone this year, and we liked it a lot. The Pixel is making waves in the minds of consumers too, and with Google launching its Google Shops in Canada this fall, we are less than surprised to see it here.
3. Samsung Galaxy Note 7
The Galaxy Note 7 had an explosive year in Google search engines around the world, and we’ll never get tired of hearing about it before a flight for the rest of eternity.
Oh, and here’s a friendly reminder that if you still have a Galaxy Note 7, Samsung really wants it back.
2. Samsung Galaxy S7
Was 2016 the year David beat Goliath? Samsung’s latest Galaxy update wowed critics and consumers alike, though we’re certain it also benefited from not blowing up.
1. iPhone 7
No surprise here. Apple’s smartphone is still the most popular on the planet, and the company made waves when it ditched the headphone jack on the iPhone 7 for wireless earbuds. Wonder how that’s going…
